IKEA completes 38th U.S. solar project

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IKEA has officially plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its store in Stoughton, Mass. The 118,000-sq.-ft. array consists of a 590.8-kW (DC) system, built with 4,220 laminated panels. It will produce approximately 695,000 kWh of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing 479 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), eliminating the emissions of 94 cars or powering 60 homes yearly (calculating clean energy equivalents).

The installation represents the 38th completed solar project for IKEA in the United States, with one more location under way, giving the chain an eventual solar presence in nearly 90% of its U.S. locations, with a total generation of 38 MW. Ikea contracted REC Solar for the development, design and installation of the Stoughton store’s customized solar power system.

The retailer owns and operates each of its solar PV energy systems atop its buildings -- as opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase agreement) -- and globally has allocated $1.8 billion to invest in renewable energy through 2015.

IKEA’s solar project reinforces its long-term commitment to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic (PV) technology. Consistent with the company’s goal of being energy independent by 2020, the company has installed more than 250,000 solar panels on buildings across the world and owns/operates approximately 110 wind turbines in Europe.